Kenyan Police Officer Killed in Haiti During Gang Operation

A Kenyan police officer was killed in Haiti during an operation against gangs. He was injured in a fight with gang members in the Artibonite region, subsequently airlifted, but succumbed to his injuries. His death represents a significant loss in efforts to control violence in Haiti, where gangs have increased their activities since 2021. Kenya has deployed numerous officers to support local law enforcement in this crisis.

A Kenyan police officer deployed to assist in curbing violent gangs in Haiti was tragically killed during a conflict with one of the gangs, as reported by Kenyan authorities on Sunday. The incident took place in the western Artibonite region while the Kenyan police were executing an operation following a request for assistance from residents of Pont-Sonde.

The police officer sustained injuries and was subsequently airlifted, but unfortunately died from those injuries, as confirmed by Godfrey Otunge, the commander of the Kenyan forces in Haiti. Following the shooting, Kenyan officers launched a pursuit of those responsible for the attack.

Jack Ombaka, a mission official, expressed gratitude towards the medical staff and Salvadoran soldiers also engaged in the conflict for their support in the wake of the officer’s death. He stated, “This is the price our courageous officer paid — he was killed while fighting for the people of Haiti. We salute our fallen hero.”

Details of the engagement remain scarce, but it is known that the Gran Grif gang is active in the region. The officer’s death represents a setback to the international efforts aimed at stabilizing Haiti, where gang violence has escalated significantly following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.

Kenya has sent a considerable number of police officers to Haiti to bolster the local law enforcement, with the most recent deployment occurring in February when an additional 200 officers joined the more than 600 already present to support Haiti’s National Police as part of a multinational effort alongside forces from Jamaica, Guatemala, and El Salvador.

The tragic death of the Kenyan police officer underscores the perilous conditions faced by international forces working to combat gang violence in Haiti. His sacrifice highlights the ongoing challenges in restoring order in a country struggling with lawlessness since the assassination of its president. The continued commitment of Kenyan forces and their multinational allies remains vital for Haitian stability.

Original Source: suntci.com